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Dickerson Tube Amplifier, 1940s Pre-Magnaton single ended - $400
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This attractive if fairly common 1940s lap steel amp is a little worn-in but nicely original. Made by Dickerson/Fators Mfg. Co. in Los Angeles, CA, this small MOTS-clad (mother of toilet seat) accompanied a similarly styled lap steel as a set for the student players of the time. The amp features a simple single-ended 6V6 design (currently has vintage 6L6) with two inputs and a single volume control, not unlike the later Fender Champ amps that would have been its direct competitors. The amp puts out around 4-5 watts into the Rola field-coil speaker, sounding attractively raunchy fairly fast as the knob is rolled up. 5Y3 GT rectifier tube and an RCA 6SJ7 Pre-amp tube round out the circuit. The output transformer appears to have been replaced a long time ago. Original Power transformer.
Height is 11 in. (27.9 cm.), 13 in. (33 cm.) width, and 5 in. (12.7 cm.) deep.
Cosmetically, this little amp is decently preserved for its age. The green perloid exterior is showing some cracking and missing pieces, particularly around the rear corners and front right edge. The grille cloth is nicely intact but most of its "Dickerson" graphic has worn off. The handle and hardware is showing moderate corrosion and the rear panel shows some pitting on the edges as well. Cord has been modified to 3 prong.